RCMP track suspects into the forest in the Lake Cowichan area

RCMP have arrested 4 people, aged 19 to 28 from the Port Alberni and Nanaimo areas following a crime spree in the Cowichan Valley.

It all started around 5:30 Wednesday morning when police were called to a report of a vehicle rollover in a remote forestry area west of Lake Cowichan.

The truck, had been stolen from Duncan and an attached travel trailer, had been stolen from the Lake Cowichan area, and police believed the four suspects were likely engaged in property related offences.

The suspects had also lit a truck, that had been stolen from the Comox Valley, on fire prior to the arrival of police.

An empty gun case was located nearby and the suspects were believed to be armed, therefore, the RCMP Emergency Response Team was called in to help along with police canine units to track the supsects.

Three of the suspects were located about 150 metres into the bush and a fourth was located by a second police/dog team 6 kilometers a way.

One suspect was treated for injuries from the initial accident and another was treated for injuries from the accident along with a dog bite.

Residents, particularly in the Lake Cowichan area of South Shore Road and the campground are encouraged to check their properties and report any thefts to the police.